This is an official, non-public photo album published in 1929 (Showa 4) to commemorate the Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Showa. In pre-war Imperial Japan. Was not only the head of state but the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. The enthronement ceremony therefore marked the formal transfer of supreme military command, making this event a crucial moment in Japan’s military and political history. Nature of the Album. Its purpose was not decorative, but documentary and institutional-to preserve the official record of a national and military ceremony tied directly to imperial authority and command structure. Cover Inscription (Original Text). The gold-stamped cover reads. (Imperial Enthronement Commemorative Photo Album). The album features a cloth-bound cover with gold lettering, typical of formal military and imperial publications of the era. Contents (Military & Historical Value). The album contains a wide range of official photographs and documents, including. Formal portraits of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun. Enthronement ceremony processions and rituals. Military formations, guards, and ceremonial troops. Security arrangements and controlled urban spaces. Crowds under strict supervision. Detailed map of the Kyoto Imperial Palace complex. Official explanatory texts and event records. The presence of military uniforms, formations, command hierarchy, and ceremonial discipline clearly reflects the emperor’s role as supreme military authority. This is not a simple commemorative book-it is a visual record of state power and military legitimacy in early Showa Japan. The colophon clearly states. Printed: April 15, 1929. Issued: April 17, 1929. Marked: Non-Public / Not for Sale. These details confirm the album as a primary historical source, not a later reproduction. Expected age-related wear is present, including light toning and minor paper waviness. There are no major tears or missing pages, and the album remains fully usable for study and display. For a pre-war military and imperial document, the condition is comparatively well preserved. Summary (For Collectors & Researchers). Emperor Showa as Supreme Commander of Japan’s armed forces. The enthronement as a formal transfer of military authority. A non-public, institutional publication. A rare visual record of imperial ceremony, military order, and state control. Highly recommended for collectors of Imperial Japanese military history. As well as researchers focusing on command structure, state ritual, and pre-WWII Japan. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
1931 “Seijo Goseitoku Roku”. Official Record of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). 1150 pages – Large Format – Photo Rich Volume. Published in 1931 (Showa 6). This is a substantial official compilation documenting the life of Emperor Hirohito from birth through approximately age 31. The book was published in 1931 – the year of the Manchurian Incident – a turning point when Imperial Japan began its expansion toward full-scale war. It was produced not as a casual biography, but as a state-sponsored record intended for. Influential regional figures. Its purpose was to present a structured image of the Emperor as head of state under the Meiji Constitution. At that time, the Emperor legally held supreme command authority over the Imperial Army and Navy. This makes the volume significant not only as an imperial biography, but as documentation of how pre-WWII Japan formally constructed and disseminated the public image of its sovereign. Constitutional sovereign of Imperial Japan. Holder of supreme military command authority. Central figure during World War II. His historical responsibility and role in wartime decision-making remain subjects of academic debate. This book reflects the official portrayal of him prior to the escalation of the Pacific War. Early life and imperial lineage charts. Formal military portraits. Scientific research (marine biology). Extensive photographic documentation. This is a primary source for researchers studying. Pre-WWII Japanese state ideology. Imperial propaganda development. 26cm x 19.5cm x 9cm. Age-related toning and wear. Structurally solid for its age. This is not a modern reprint. It is an original pre-WWII state publication – a substantial and historically significant document. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Own a Piece of History. This is an original. 1928 illustrated scroll “Showa Gotaitei Emaki”. To commemorate the enthronement ceremonies of. Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). The scroll measures an impressive. 418 cm 164 in. In total length, and features beautifully printed illustrations by leading Japanese artists of the time, including. Poems are contributed by. Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor) reigned from. Overseeing the most dramatic and turbulent era in modern Japanese history. During the 1930s-1945 period, he stood as. The head of state of Imperial Japan. The supreme authority within the military structure. Making him a central figure in Japanese politics and wartime decision-making. This scroll records the. Created at a time when Japan was not yet at total war-capturing the nation before it entered the most consequential years of the 20th century. Because of the emperor’s role in both domestic governance and the military system, any original prewar material related to Hirohito is highly valued among collectors of. Royal and court ceremonial culture. Showa Gotaitei Emaki (Showa Enthronement Illustrated Scroll). Matsuoka Eikyu / Yamaguchi Hoshun / Yoshimura Tadao / Yamada Shuei. One wooden roller end is missing. Age-related toning, creases, light stains. Some fold lines from storage. No major tears; fully viewable. Please check all photos carefully. Authentic prewar Imperial Japan artifact. With significant historical value. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original commemorative photo album from the. 1st Company, Imperial Guard Transport Battalion of the Imperial Japanese Army. Its cloth-covered front bears the Imperial Guard insignia and the unit name. The album contains a portrait of. Along with photographs of officers and enlisted soldiers, military swords, rifles, medical personnel wearing Red Cross armbands, horses, and scenes associated with military transport and unit life. What Was the Imperial Guard Transport Battalion? The Japanese Army’s transport troops were responsible for moving the supplies that kept an army functioning, including food, ammunition, equipment, medicine, and other essential materials. In modern terms, they were a military. Logistics and supply unit. The Imperial Guard transport troops performed the same basic role as ordinary Army transport units. The important difference was that they belonged to the. The prestigious formation associated with the protection of the Emperor and the Imperial Palace. In other words, these men supported one of the Japanese Army’s most distinguished formations from behind the scenes. An army could not continue operating simply with soldiers and weapons. Without transport troops delivering food, ammunition, and medical supplies, even an elite unit would quickly become ineffective. A portrait of Emperor Taisho is preserved near the beginning of the album. This suggests that the album may date from the. Taisho era or the early Showa period. Approximately the 1910s to early 1930s. However, imperial portraits could remain in use after an emperor’s death, so the exact date cannot be confirmed from the portrait alone. The album therefore appears to document the Imperial Guard during Japan’s pre-WWII military period, rather than the final years of the Pacific War. A Record of the Men Behind the Imperial Guard. The Imperial Guard is often remembered through ceremonial uniforms, palace duty, and elite status. This album shows a less visible side of that history: the soldiers who transported supplies, handled horses, supported medical work, and kept the unit moving. Most of these men left no names in history books. Here, they survive as the members of one company, photographed together during their military service in Tokyo. This is an original antique military photo album. The cover, mounting pages, and photographs show age-related toning, foxing, stains, rubbing, discoloration, and wear to the edges and corners. The exact dates, locations, and identities of all individuals have not been confirmed. Please examine all photographs carefully for the precise contents and condition. This album preserves not only the prestige of the Imperial Guard, but also the overlooked logistics troops who made its daily operation possible. Own a Piece of History. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original prewar Japanese hanging scroll featuring. Emperor Hirohito (Emperor Showa). Five Principles of Military Spirit (Gunjin Seishin Gokajo). One of the moral foundations taught to soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army. At the top of the composition are the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest and a pair of phoenixes, symbols traditionally associated with the Imperial House of Japan. Beneath them appears the. Five Principles of Military Spirit. Which instructed soldiers to uphold. Loyalty to the Emperor. Proper conduct and courtesy. These principles reflected the ethical code expected of Japanese servicemen during the prewar period and formed an important part of military education. The lower portion of the scroll depicts. Emperor Hirohito on horseback in military uniform. From his accession to the throne in 1926 until the end of World War II in 1945, Emperor Hirohito served as Japan’s sovereign and was constitutionally recognized as the. Supreme Commander of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. For this reason, his portrait was widely displayed in military facilities, schools, and government institutions as a symbol of national unity, discipline, and loyalty. The Emperor is portrayed as a relatively young man in this artwork. Based on the style of the portrait and the overall design, it is likely that this image was originally created during the. Late 1920s or early 1930s. Shortly after his accession. While the exact production date of this scroll cannot be confirmed, it clearly reflects the visual style of early Showa-era military educational materials. Scrolls of this type were displayed in barracks, military schools, youth organizations, and other public institutions to reinforce discipline, patriotism, and the ideals of Bushido among soldiers and young people. Today, this piece serves not only as decorative artwork but also as an important historical document illustrating how military ethics and loyalty to the Emperor were visually communicated in prewar Japan. Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest, phoenixes, the Five Principles of Military Spirit, and a youthful portrait of Emperor Hirohito. This is an impressive display piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese militaria, military education, wartime propaganda, and modern Japanese history. The scroll shows expected age-related wear, including minor foxing, discoloration, and light stains, but remains in overall good condition for its age. Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Original Pre-WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy poster featuring the light cruiser KINU (Nagara-class). Printed in the early Showa period, this piece includes a portrait of. Symbol of the Imperial Household. Large format and rare surviving example of naval promotional or commemorative prints from the 1930s. About the Cruiser KINU. She served extensively throughout the Pacific. Philippine invasion operations (1941). Dutch East Indies operations (1942). Guadalcanal “Tokyo Express” transport missions. Numerous escort and supply operations in New Guinea and the Bismarck Sea. Sunk in October 1944. During the Leyte Gulf operations. A warship known for its wide operational range and heavy wartime service. Portrait of Emperor Hirohito, gold Chrysanthemum Seal. Creases, age toning, minor stains. 380 × 296 mm. A valuable display piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese Navy history, warship memorabilia, and pre-WW2 prints. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you for your interest. This is an original photo album documenting the official visit of. Manchukuo Emperor Puyi to Japan in 1935 (Showa 10). Who was Puyi? The last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (China). Later installed as the Emperor of Manchukuo under Japanese influence. He represents a unique figure in world history. ? A fallen emperor turned into the symbolic ruler of a newly created state. Why did he visit Japan in 1935? This visit was not a casual trip. ? A major political and ceremonial event to demonstrate the alliance between Imperial Japan and Manchukuo. During this visit, Puyi. Was formally welcomed at major stations and cities. Inspected military units (Army & Navy). Attended official ceremonies and state events. ? In essence, this was a carefully staged political performance. What this album contains. This album visually records that historic visit, including. Arrival scenes at railway stations. Military parades and ceremonial formations. Official receptions and processions. ? It is a primary historical record, not a later reproduction. Why this item is rare. This piece stands out because. This album documents a specific, short-lived event. It combines photographs + printed explanations. Original binding and storage case are still present. ? Items like this rarely appear on the market. Age-related stains, wear, and discoloration. Damage to outer case. Signs of use consistent with age. Please check photos carefully for details. Collector’s perspective. This is more than a photo album. ? A visual record of a vanished state. ? A document of Imperial Japan’s political narrative. ? A rare surviving piece of 20th-century history. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
This is an original red lacquer ceremonial sake cup created to commemorate the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony (, Gotairai) of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) in 1928 (Showa 3). The inside of the cup features the bold character?? (“Tamawaru” – “Bestowed” or “Imperial Gift”), symbolizing honor and blessing. Around the outer rim, in gold lacquer, it reads. ? (“Commemorating the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony of Showa 3″). The cup is finished with a fine gilt rim. Box inscription (on the lid interior). The original wooden box has an important inscription, which connects this cup to a later historical event. Right column: Showa 4 (1929), April 25 – Yasukuni Shrine, on the occasion of the Temporary Grand Festival. Center column: Dedication of martial arts demonstrations (?) – bayonet drills and kendo matches were performed. Left column: Signed with affiliation/names (partially in cursive script, preserved as-is). The red circular seal is the mark of the original lacquerware shop. This means the cup, originally made for the 1928 Enthronement, was later dedicated or presented in 1929 at Yasukuni Shrine during a major festival, in connection with martial arts dedication ceremonies. This double provenance-Imperial and martial-greatly enhances its historical value. Who: The Japanese people, martial arts groups, and Shinto community honoring the Emperor. What: A commemorative lacquer sake cup celebrating the Showa Emperor’s enthronement and later used in a Yasukuni Shrine martial arts dedication. When: Cup produced in 1928 (Showa 3); box inscription dated 1929 (Showa 4). Where: The enthronement ceremonies were held in Kyoto; the dedication occurred at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Why: To celebrate the enthronement as a national event, and to dedicate martial arts performances to the spirits of the fallen. How: Such lacquer cups were used in ceremonial banquets and dedication rituals, then preserved in wooden boxes with inscriptions noting the occasion. Japanese lacquer (urushi) is made from the sap of the lacquer tree. It produces a hard, glossy, and durable coating admired for centuries. This cup uses red lacquer (shu-urushi) with gold-painted inscriptions and a gilt rim, typical of high-quality ceremonial vessels. Care: Avoid direct sunlight and alcohol cleaners. Simply wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Imperial Enthronement + Yasukuni Shrine martial arts dedication – two major historical events connected in one artifact. Large bold character?? inside, symbolizing honor and Imperial blessing. Original inscribed box with provenance, making it valuable as both a ceremonial object and a historical document. Excellent for collectors of Japanese Imperial memorabilia, martial arts history, and Shinto-related artifacts. ? This is not just a sake cup, but a piece of Japanese history with strong connections to the Imperial Enthronement of Emperor Showa and the Yasukuni Shrine martial traditions of the early Showa period. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original Imperial Japanese Enthronement Officials Badge. Issued for junior government officials (Hannin-kan) who participated in the Imperial enthronement ceremonies. Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest (symbol of the Emperor). Paulownia Crest (symbol of the Japanese government). The inscription “Enthronement Official” in blue enamel at the center. These badges were worn exclusively during the Daijo (Imperial Enthronement) ceremonies. Which marked the accession of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). Emperor Hirohito’s accession occurred immediately after the death of the previous emperor. And the early Showa enthronement ceremonies were conducted with restrained formality and limited production. Making surviving official items particularly scarce today. Reverse marked: Japan Mint / I. Official government issue, not a private or souvenir item. Badges such as this were produced in very limited numbers and issued only to authorized personnel. Shows natural age-related wear and patina consistent with an authentic pre-war item. Details and inscription remain clearly visible. Please refer to photos for condition. A rare and well-documented piece of Imperial Japanese ceremonial history. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original Imperial Japanese commemorative hanging scroll (kakejiku) issued for the Grand Naval Review held off Kobe Bay on October 26, 1930 (Showa 5). It was the first major fleet review attended by Emperor Hirohito after his enthronement – a spectacular event symbolizing Japan’s naval power and national unity during the early Showa era. About the Naval Review. The “Kantai Kanshiki (Naval Review)” was a grand military ceremony held to display the Imperial Navy’s strength to the Emperor and the public. This 1930 review gathered over 100 warships, including the famous battleships Nagato, Mutsu, Kongo, Hiei, and Fuso – the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The event demonstrated Japan’s technological excellence and growing maritime power in the interwar period, serving both as a training display and a powerful tool of national propaganda. At this time, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army and Navy, and his presence at the fleet review symbolized his role as the unifying figure of the Empire. This scroll represents one of the earliest public displays of the Emperor’s authority over Japan’s armed forces. A portrait of Emperor Hirohito in full military dress, with medals and decorations. A phoenix motif behind him, symbolizing divine authority and renewal. The Imperial chrysanthemum crest and the rising sun flag. The background is woven with Paulownia (Go-shichi-kiri) and Chrysanthemum imperial patterns, emphasizing its official ceremonial origin. The paper label on the roller reads. Commemorating the Grand Naval Review off Kobe Bay, Autumn 1930 (Showa 5). Type: Paper hanging scroll (kakejiku). Material: Lithographic print with silk-pattern mount. 150 × 55 cm. Condition: Very good for age. Some light toning and a retied hanging cord. Includes original mounting with wooden rods. This scroll was produced to celebrate the imperial inspection of the fleet, a major event intended to inspire national pride and military spirit during Japan’s naval peak. Few original scrolls from this ceremony survive today – making this a museum-grade artifact of Imperial Japan’s naval and political history. Own a genuine piece of Japan’s early Showa military heritage. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.